Hi,

I've finally managed to talk my husband into another week at Disney World! The trick is we have to do this trip very inexpensively (or he won't go!). Price-wise, I've been looking into staying at the Grosvenor on Hotel Plaza Boulevard near Downtown Disney or at one of the Value Resorts on property.

We are in our 30s, going without kids and plan to visit the Disney Parks most of the time we're there. When you compare the cost of rooms and the added cost of $9 daily parking (we plan to drive) for staying off-site, the rates are pretty much the same price at either.

What I'd like to know is whether the value resorts are over-saturated with kids? Yes, I realize we're going to be surrounded by kids just by going to Disney, but I'd rather not be overrun by them back at the hotel either. Maybe the time we're going will help with that? (thinking Dec.6-13)

Has anyone stayed at the Grosvenor? If so, what did you think? The location is certainly good.

Or which value resort would you recommend for 2 adults?

Thanks in advance!
Heidi

Heidi,
I would seriously consider looking at one of the value resorts over the Grosvenor. By staying at a Disney property, you can take advantage of the early magic hour and the late one too. That allows you to get into the parks before guests staying off property and on some nights, allows you to stay later as well.
I've never stayed at the Grosvenor, but if you read any of the message boards about Disney, you will not hear too many good reviews.
Plus, Disney is running an amazing special now that includes your hotel, tickets, and food. I'm not sure if it runs into December, but if it does, it provides a good opportunity to travel to Disney and do some of their dining options on a lower budget.
As for the value resorts, I only have been at Pop Century and All Star Movies, but not to stay. We had guests stay there for our wedding. Pop is the newer one of all the value resorts though, so I'd maybe say that one for that reason alone.
I hope that helps a bit.

What time of year are you going? If you avoid the following times you will avoid tons of kids:

June-Labor Day
Senior Nights (May)
Memorial Weekend
Columbus Weekend (October)
Thanksgiving
Pop Warner (Dec 3-9)
Christmas-New Years Day
MLK Jrs Birthday (January)
Presidents Week (Mid Feb)
Weeks Before and After Easter

Also, there are a few things like Nat'l High School Cheerleading Finals but if you ask reservations, you can avoid these things.

I would stay on property.

GoTravel, we're thinking Dec. 6-13th or around there. What is the Pop Warner you mentioned? Never heard of it.

jcepk1 - I think the special you are referring to only goes through the end of September. Bummer. I was leaning towards Pop Century - what did your wedding guests think of it?

I've stayed at Disney's moderate & deluxe resorts before so I'm familiar with what to expect with those (and love the extra park hours too) but I was wondering how the value resorts stacked up. Unfortunately, those are the only ones in our budget range for this trip. We're saving all our $$ for a trip to Mongolia so I can finally meet my in-laws!

I've stayed at one of the family value resorts and the Grovsenor and I absolutely prefor the Grov (I assume this is the one near Pleasure Island?) The value one had lots of kids, even in off-season. The Grov had kids, but not so bad. Also very easy to get to the parks and walking distance to night life at Pleasure Island.

Thanks, Hlsam. Yes, I'm looking at the Grosvenor near Pleasure Island/Downtown Disney. I definitely like this location better than where the value resorts are.

What value resort did you stay in? And was there anything about it you didn't like, besides all the kids?

I'm also curious what makes the Grosvenor so much better? jcepk1 mentioned some bad reviews...

I stayed at the Pop Century in February. It was a good hotel room and was ok since all we did there is sleep and eat breakfast. It is full of kids but all of Disney is full of kids. The bus to the theme parks was convenient.

my husband and i stayed at the doubletree on the sme road as the grosvenor and it great very very convenient. but, i have to agree...stay at one of the on site disney resorts. at that time of the year you could probably get a room for less than $150/nt. check it out first..and check out tripadvisor.com with regards to the grosvenor and the other place...its a good gauge...

That time of year should still be value season, not peak, so I'm sure they will have a deal come out soon that extends through mid-December. I'd keep your eyes open for that. They may even extend the free dining deal. I believe they did that last year or the year before.

Pop Warner is around 300,000 kids in Disney for a football and cheerleading convention.

I can assure you that the All Star Resorts will be packed with kids during your stay.

I highly suggest you call Disney for more information.

If it's Pop Warner weekend, you do not want to be a value resort. The Grosvenor is a good choice for you.

jce, with Pop Warner that week I doubt Disney will offer any discounts and I would not stay at any of the Value Resorts.

Have you checked out www.Disboards.com ?

I'd skip staying onsite for this trip unless good discounts do come out for the moderates.

Thank you for the info, GoTravel. Maybe we'll go a week later or a week before now. It sounds like it may be a little chaotic during Pop Warner time! Boy, am I glad to know this info.

And yes, I know there's always kids at Disney, but I've been there between Christmas and NYE, and during Spring Break, and I'll never go then again. It's insane! Sounds like Pop Warner week may be another one to avoid.

traveladdict, if you can go the week after Thanksgiving (November 27-Dec 3) you may find some fantastic deals and will probably find some discounts putting the on site moderates in your range.

I read somewhere that week is the slowest week of the year for Disney.

The Christmas decorations should be up by then also!

I've also stayed at the Grosvenor and I liked it. Nice pool area and from what I can remember, there was a little poolside food stand - appetizers, burgers, etc. Loved the location. So easy to walk to Downtown Disney and the Cirque show (excellent by the way). Have fun wherever you stay!

Thanks again, GoTravel. That was originally the week I wanted to go - after the Thanksgiving crowds and once the decorations are up. Unfortunately, my DH just told me he doesn't get his vacation until after the 6th. Looks like we're now going the 9th-16th. (after Pop Warner!) I don't think it really gets busy until the week leading up to Christmas so we should still be ok.

And thanks Cruisin_Tigger too, and everyone else!

I think I may wait to book the hotel until later this summer or fall and see what kind of deals may come out.